Calling all adventure seekers, Brisbane is a city brimming with 'pinch me' active experiences that will get your blood pumping and your socials popping. With warm weather year-round, and stunning natural beauty on its doorstep, those seeking a weekend filled with action-packed experiences are in for a treat.
We’ve teamed up with our mates at Flip Insurance—Australia’s first provider of on-demand accidental injury insurance—to round up 7 of the best adventures to have in Brisbane.
It’s time to explore a different side to your backyard with the peace of mind that you can adventure stress free.
Abseil Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Not for the faint hearted, there’s no quicker way to get your blood pumping than scaling up or down the craggy Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Riverlife Adventure Centre gives adventure seekers the chance to appreciate the River City from a different angle on their abseiling tour. Over an hour and a half, you’ll feel the extreme rush of descending the 25 metre cliff face. Or if you’d prefer to not look down, opt for the rockclimbing tour, which can be tackled during the day or at dusk. No qualifications are necessary, so you can book in and get exploring right away.
Snorkel A Shipwreck
Keen to escape the city? Pack your swimmers and a snorkel and head to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), the world’s third largest sand island and just a short ferry ride from the CBD. The Tangalooma Wrecks sit just off the island’s pristine coastline and date back to the 1960s, where 15 vessels were deliberately sunk to create a man-made harbour. The result is an underwater paradise nestled in turquoise water, brimming with fish, turtles, dolphins and coral.
Climb The Story Bridge
A rite of passage in the River City, any adventure junkie worth their bike pants knows that a climb up the Story Bridge is equal measures goosebump-inducing and bucket list-worthy. The 80-metre summit comprises 1,088 steps and will take around 2.5 hours, but the calf burn is truly worth it once you reach the top. Think 360 degree-breathtaking views of the city, from the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay and out to the lush Scenic Rim. If you’re looking for something extra special, book the twilight climb and watch the skyline transform from burnt orange and pink to a shimmering sea of sparkles.
Hike Through An Ancient Rainforest
While you might think Brisbane is all CBD and river, just beyond the ‘burbs you’ll find Gondwana Rainforest—a lush, World Heritage oasis spanning over 350,000 hectares. Over 180 million-years-old (yes, really), it's home to Lamington National Park where you can pull on your hiking boots and meander beneath soaring beech trees. You can also discover jaw-dropping lookouts over the Scenic Rim—an area named by the Lonely Planet as one of the must-visit regions in 2022. If waterfalls are more your vibe, you’ll find plenty in Gondwana, like Twin Falls, Purling Brook Falls and Moran Falls—each as dreamy and magical as the next.
Jetski Along The River
Embrace the need for speed with an exhilarating jet ski ride across the city and beyond. Join Jet Ski Tours Brisbane and choose between three adventure-filled explorations. The Blast Tour will see you zoom along the Brisbane River, taking in the Botanical Gardens, and zipping under the Story and Gateway Bridge. The Safari Tour will take you from the heart of the city out to Moreton Bay where you can cruise alongside the locals — turtles and dolphins. For a real ‘pinch me’ experience, try the Sunset Tour. See the sun dip beneath the skyline while riding past famous landmarks like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Southbank Parklands and the 7 Wheel as they illuminate.
Go For A Dip In Dreamy Waterfalls
If you’re up for a short road trip, Brisbane is just a few Taylor’s Version tunes away from some achingly beautiful natural water holes. Just 25 minutes from the CBD, Samford is home to the Cedar Creek rock pools. A collection of fresh water swimming holes, pack a picnic and take in the views of the rolling hills of the countryside. Boasting the same name but located in Tamborine Mountain, Cedar Creek Falls is a magical spot that can be accessed via a 86-step staircase. Trust us, you’ll absolutely earn the cool down once you reach the waterfall’s base. If you’re keen to keep road trippin’, head a little further south to Gold Coast’s Currumbin Rock Pools. A cluster of pristine pools, you’ll easily float away the day here.
Hit The Dirt Tracks
If you’d rather get your kicks on two wheels, you’re in luck because Brisbane has a labyrinth of epic mountain bike trails to carve up. Our faves? Daisy Hill Conservation Park is just 25 minutes from the city and offers 22 kilometres of trails set amongst melaleuca forest that are perfect for all levels. Gap Creek at Mt Coot-tha Reserve boasts 25 kilometres of dedicated single tracks as well as 31 kilometres of shared trails. But the best of the bunch can be found at Hidden Vale Adventure Park, just an hour’s drive west of Brisbane. Australia’s largest privately owned MTB park has 110 kilometres of trails to explore.
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*Read the PDS and TMD at getflip.com.au and consider whether this product is appropriate for you. Issued by HCF Life.
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